The Central Provident Fund (CPF) in Singapore is a social security savings plan that lets people access their money during important life stages. Members can make full withdrawals starting at age 55 & receive monthly payouts from age 65. The main rules governing these withdrawals will stay the same until 2026 although contribution rates will go up during this period. As people live longer many are thinking more carefully about retirement planning. Understanding how the CPF system works helps individuals plan their spending needs and invest their remaining funds safely for the future.
When CPF Withdrawals Can Begin: Age 55 Milestone
When you reach 55 years old you can withdraw some money from your CPF account if you need it urgently. The system will first create a Retirement Account and set aside the required amount for your age group. You will be able to withdraw at least $5000 even if your account does not have enough to meet the full retirement sum requirement.
Understanding What You Can Withdraw at Age 55
You should first set aside the Full Retirement Sum which is approximately $220400 for people who turn 55 in 2026. After that you can withdraw any excess money from your Ordinary Account & take out whatever remains. Property owners who still have sufficient time left on their lease can choose to set aside a smaller sum. This allows them to withdraw a larger amount of money for their immediate use.
Monthly CPF Payouts: How They Start at Age 65
You can still receive your payout at age 65 even though the retirement age has increased to 64. This rule has stayed the same. The CPF LIFE scheme provides monthly payments that continue for your entire life. You have the option to start receiving these payments anytime from age 65 to 70. If you choose to wait and start later your monthly payment amounts will be higher.
Claiming Extra Lump Sum at Age 65: What You Need to Know
When you turn 65 years old you can withdraw 20% of your retirement annuity savings as a single lump sum payment whenever you want to. This gives you flexibility during the period when only a small number of funds are managing regular payments.
Consequences of Closing Your Special Account Early
The 2025 closure of SA for members above 55 years old will not change the withdrawal rules. Any excess amount will go into either the OA which allows withdrawals or the RA which is designated for payouts. Starting in 2026 the emphasis will shift to RA to ensure a guaranteed retirement income.
CPF Special Account Changes 2026: New Rules That Reshape Long-Term Retirement Planning Strategies
Exploring Other Withdrawal Scenarios Beyond Standard Rules
You can withdraw all your money from your account if you are permanently leaving Singapore. If you have medical reasons or can prove that your life expectancy has decreased you may be able to get your funds before the usual time.
Comparing CPF Withdrawal Options: Lump Sum vs Monthly Payouts
Major Rules for the Cohort Turning 55 in 2026 The table below outlines the key regulations that apply to individuals who will reach age 55 in 2026.
| Age Group | Withdrawal Rule | Permitted Amount | Important Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| At 55 | One-time withdrawal after Retirement Account setup | Minimum $5,000 plus savings above Full Retirement Sum (FRS) | Higher withdrawals possible with approved property pledge |
| 55–64 | Flexible withdrawals for personal needs | No fixed cap on number of requests | Funds are mainly drawn from Ordinary Account (OA) |
| From 65 | Monthly retirement payouts begin | Lifelong income under CPF LIFE scheme | Payouts can be deferred up to age 70 for higher returns |
| From 65 | Optional additional lump-sum withdrawal | Up to 20% of Retirement Account balance | Can be withdrawn at any time after payouts start |
| Special Situations | Early or partial withdrawal allowed | Depends on individual case | Applicable for permanent departure from Singapore or medical grounds |
Expert Tips to Prepare for Smooth CPF Withdrawals
If you don’t need the money right away it makes more sense to keep it in your CPF account where it earns interest of up to 6%. You can also add money to your Retirement Account to increase your future payouts. The CPF withdrawal rules in Singapore for 2026 aim to balance flexibility with financial security. You can access lump sum amounts starting at age 55 & receive regular income payments from age 65 onwards. You can log in to your CPF dashboard today to view your account balances and calculate potential withdrawal amounts or create a payout plan. If you want a stress-free retirement you should begin planning as soon as possible.
